Creating a #STEM dialogue inclusive of every woman

Women Who Reign: Kimberly Hou

Tell us about yourself along with a fun fact!
Currently a first-year Master’s student studying CS at Columbia University. Prior to this, I majored in Neuroscience at the same school for undergrad and was a pianist in the Columbia-Juilliard Exchange Program for the four years. Excited to be joining MongoDB as a software engineering intern for summer 2017!

Fun Fact: Because I competed in piano competitions growing up, I was homeschooled before college! And loved it.

What # would define your life journey?#imherebecauseoffamilyandfriends

Favorite website / app:Two Dots! Besides the gameplay, I’m such a big fan of their soundtrack. Kudos to their amazing composers / producers.

Someone who inspires you and knowledge they have imparted:Indra Nooyi, for her maturity, professionalism, and ambition in successfully leading PepsiCo while juggling the incredible challenge of raising her own family. She’s optimistic yet realistic about the difficulties of balancing her career with her family life, which I find inspiring. It’d be such an honor to meet her one day.

Ideal Job:I don’t have anything concrete in mind, and maybe that’s the beauty of it. The only thing I’d say for sure is I’d love to stay in tech. Whether the role would be software, product, or starting something myself remains to be seen. There’s always so much to learn in this field, and whether I’m young or old I hope to be in a position that keeps me curious.

What knowledge would you impart to women in order for them to REIGN their lives?Remember the supporters, the parents and/or peers who saw you through your journey and cheered for you behind the scenes. Remember them especially when others tell you you can’t do it or say it isn’t possible. Your passion will be what makes you shine, and no one can take that away.